Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has been offered to Real Madrid ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window as the Spanish giants prepare for a significant squad overhaul under the anticipated return of Jose Mourinho. According to reports from Diario AS, the 24-year-old’s representatives are exploring an exit from the Etihad Stadium following a breakdown in contract renewal talks, with the Croatian international now entering the final two years of his current deal. Gvardiol is understood to be a primary target for Mourinho, who is widely expected to leave Benfica to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabéu following a period of internal dressing room instability.
Contract deadlock and injury concerns at Manchester City
Gvardiol’s situation in Manchester has shifted rapidly following his €90 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023. While he was a mainstay in Pep Guardiola's defensive rotations, negotiations over an extension have stalled, leaving City vulnerable to a cut-price approach in 2027 if a deal is not reached this summer. This uncertainty is compounded by a difficult 2026 for the defender; he has been sidelined since January after undergoing surgery for a tibia injury, leaving his fitness for the upcoming World Cup in doubt. Should he move to Madrid, he would join midfielder Bernardo Silva, who has reportedly also been offered to the club as his contract at City reaches its conclusion.
Real Madrid’s defensive void and the Mourinho factor
The tactical rationale for Madrid is clear: the club faces a defensive transition with veterans David Alaba and Dani Carvajal expected to depart. Gvardiol’s versatility as both a central defender and a left-back provides a solution to a backline where Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras have failed to convince. Despite President Florentino Perez publicly playing down the Mourinho links—telling journalists it is "time to defend our institution" rather than discuss coaching changes—reports in Spain suggest the club is ready to trigger a €3m release clause in Mourinho's Benfica contract. Bringing in a proven winner like Gvardiol would be the first step in stabilizing a squad that has reportedly struggled with internal friction between senior players this term.
Final confirmation of Mourinho’s appointment is expected after the conclusion of the Primeira Liga season, which will dictate the speed of Madrid's opening bid for Gvardiol.